Cost-of-living pressures may be lingering, but that’s not stopping Australians from planning big weddings in 2026. New data shows couples are adjusting how they spend, who they invite and who helps foot the bill.
Key Takeaways
- The average Australian wedding now costs $38,252, up 8% year-on-year, outpacing last year’s 4.5% increase.
- Couples routinely overshoot their initial budgets, with expectation versus reality remaining one of the biggest planning challenges.
- 69% of couples receive financial help, with family members contributing to 39% of total wedding spend.
- Guest lists are shrinking under budget pressure, with couples inviting 23 fewer guests on average than originally planned.
- Engagement rings are rising faster than overall wedding costs, averaging $6,842, up 14.5% year-on-year.
- Honeymoons remain a priority, with couples spending an average $9,684, and 88% taking a post-wedding trip.
- Artificial intelligence is entering the planning process, with 61% of couples open to using AI tools, though most still trust human advice over algorithms.
How much are Australians spending?
The average Australian wedding costs $38,252 in 2026.
With 124,278 couples expected marriages this year, demand has not slowed. If anything, the report displays how weddings remain one of life’s most resilient discretionary spends.
New South Wales leads the nation in wedding spending, with an average cost of $42,322, followed by Victoria at $39,502. At the other end of the scale, Tasmanian weddings average $25,423, making them the most budget-friendly in the country.
Yet while the final bill is climbing, original budgets tell a different story. Couple begin planning with an average budget of $29,471, but ultimately spend around 23% more than intended. Sticking to budget remains the top stressor for engaged couples.
In response, many are making practical trade-offs. Couples are inviting an average of 23 fewer guests than originally planned, highlighting how closely guest lists are tied to financial pressures.
Demographically, the average marrying age has settled slightly younger in recent year. In 2026, the average bride is 32, and average groom is 33.
Shift away from tradition
While traditional elements remain present, the data confirms a clear shift towards highly personalised celebrations.
Most couples still follow a recognizable structure, 83% booking a civil celebrant and 69% having a first dance. However, only 10% of couple opt for fully traditional vows, while 42% choose personalized vows, and 48% blend both approaches.
Reception choices further reflect this evolution. Gardens, wineries, and water view venues dominate, as couple increasingly priorities guest experience, a “rocking reception/party” ranking as the single most valued element of the day.
Tradition is not disappearing but loosening: only 36% hire specialist wedding car providers, 72% of bridesmaids choose non-identical dresses, and dress codes have shifted towards semi-formal or cocktail attire (57%).
What should an engagement ring cost?
In 2026, the average engagement ring costs $6,842, up 14.5% year-on-year.
This increase outpaces overall wedding cost growth, suggesting couples are still prioritising the proposal.
December remains the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for 13% of proposals, with Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve among the top dates.
How much should you be spending on a wedding gift?
As weddings get more expensive, so too do the expectations around gifting.
In 2026, guests spend an average $208 on a wedding gift – up 27% year-on-year. Close family and friends are spending even more, averaging $380, a 32% increase. Cash remains the preferred option, with 61% of couples opting for a wishing well.
Average cost of common wedding expenses
Catering: $6,177
The wedding dress: $2,591
Wedding flowers: $2,639
Marriage celebrant: $1,031
Hire of furniture + styling props: $2,203
Decorations: $2,849
Videography: $3,125
Photography: $3,657
Wedding cakes: $645
Bridesmaid attire: $645
Formal wear: $2,102
Music: $2,142
Invitations: $1,001
Wedding cars: $1,223
Photo booths: $1,038
Hair and makeup: $992
Bomboniere: $678
The honeymoon: $9,684
The planning process
Engagements in 2026 last an average of 24 months, giving couples a longer runway to budget, compare suppliers, and pace major decisions. However, budget overshoot remains high at 23%, reinforcing why budgeting remains the single biggest stressor.
Technology is playing a growing support role. 61% of couples feel positive about using AI in wedding planning, primarily for: Inspiration (21%), budgeting and timelines (18%), and drafting invitations or signage (14%).
Yet couples remain cautious, 54% trust AI less than human advice, and only 2% trust it more.
Time and place
Saturday remains the dominant wedding day in 2026, accounting for 53% of weddings, while Fridays hold steady at 20%.
Seasonally, spring and autumn continue to dominate, together accounting for the majority of weddings. Couple are increasingly choosing dates based on personal preference (47%) rather than pure venue accountability (23%), signaling a shift towards meaning over logistics.
Geographically, most couples are staying close to home. 89% marry in their home state, 7% marry interstate, and just 4% overseas.
How did 2026’s newlyweds meet
In 2026, 32% of couples met on dating apps, making them the most common origin story for newlyweds. Friends and family account for 17%, followed by school or university (13%), and work (12%).
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This story was originally published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
